With the belief that art is for everyone and should be accessible to all, the second edition of the just-concluded yearly +234 Art Fair showcased emerging artists and their offerings.
Building on the massive success of the maiden edition, Soto Gallery, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, African Finance Corporation (AFC)and Craneburg Construction, over the course of four days, hosted art lovers, connoisseurs, visitors and exhibitors to the best of Nigerian art at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos.
The theme for this year, ‘Championing patronage in Nigeria art’, explored the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art. The fair offered a significant platform for young, unrepresented Nigerian artists, helping them showcase their works locally and internationally.
Speaking, founder, +234 Art Fair, Tola Akerele, said the theme seeks to build a stronger support system for artists, through mentorship, finance and exposure. Stressing that the fair is providing a support system for art and the young artists,she said there are many ways to support local art. “One of the ways to support them is by giving them space to showcase their works, provide mentorship and help them financially.
“You don’t have to be a collector; you can know someone who is just starting his art career and introduce them to the Soto Gallery for instance. Nigeria has amazing artists and our goal is to see our art in the global demand.”
Revealing that out of1000 applications, they had to trim it down to a final 160, she vowed that the next edition will be bigger and better and focus even more on inclusivity. She added that the Ministry of Arts and Culture are looking to further sponsor some of the artists.
Two notable mentions at this year’s edition became the introduction of the Patron’s lounge and the return of the Children’s Gallery. Different artworks were on display at the children’s gallery which drew the attention of different schools that brought pupils tolearn more about art, charting a promising career for pupils through arts. The concept is to encourage the students on the importance of art.
The fair focused on emerging artists drawn from different parts of Nigeria who were classed into four creative sections namely, Digital, Photography, 2D art and sculpture.
Head of SME, Partnership and Collaboration, Ecobank Nigeria, OmoboyeOdu, said the bank has created a platform where SMEs can evolve from local to global players. She said EcoBank provides the artist the support needed to showcase their works, by giving them a voice through their unique space in order to create and exhibit works that can command global attention. “The art market is estimated at about $70 billion globally, with North America having the largest market share. We want to reposition our art industry to be a driving force in African arts and beyond, because we have the talent and the creative innovations to be greater than North America. Soto Gallery is a partnership we started last year with the first edition and we have realised that we can impact young artists and galleries across Nigeria through this partnership. We thank Soto for this event and look forward to a future with them that is equally as successful.”
Showcasing works from emerging artists at the StoryMi Academy, the academy’s director, Sophie Bouillon, said the artists on display at the fair were drawn from all over the country and tell intricate stories based off where they come from. Using different mediums including photography and 2D Art, the young artists told different stories of tradition, cultural preservation and excellence. “I take pride in their work and in what they do. The future of art in Nigeria is very bright,” she said.
The fair’s director, Toyin Laoshe, divulged that the curatorial team, led by Akerele, selected the artists that exhibited this year. “We organised an open call around the country and even to universities. It was quite tasking because this year, we were particular about the selection. We really sourced for the best quality and talented artists that have not had the opportunity to be known/showcased before.”
Urging the artists, who all exhibited for free, to support the numerous brands that supported the fair and pay it forward; she thanked the fair’s patrons including Osahon Okunbor, Richard Akerele, Adeoye Adefulu, Toyin Odulate amongst others, who she said lent out some of their artworks. She divulged that artworks can help to beat inflation and are a strong form of investment.
Another exhibitor, AsuniOlatunde, a potter and graduate of OAU, Ile-Ife, said his artworks celebrate womanhood and motherhood. Speaking on some of his works on display, titled Expectation, Eja n Bakan, Iya Beji and Maternal Bond, he said they all show different phases of women’s lives, their life expectations and everything they go through from birth till death.
